The 49ers have two starting offensive tackles who are in two entirely different places – literally and figuratively – right now. Joe Staley is on top of the world. Last month, coach Mike Nolan called him into his office and told Staley that he was the team’s new left tackle. Staley’s been working on his footwork for the new position and says he’s already at his target weight – 320 pounds – for the 2008 season. “I just want to lean up,” he said recently. “I just want to cut this fat out.” Staley recently bought a home in Campbell and will be playing next to buddy, Adam Snyder, who has been penciled in as the starting left guard. Staley said it’s easier to play next to someone you’re friends with and that all of the offensive linemen hang out together off the field.

All, that is, except for Jonas Jennings. While the rest of the team has been taking part in the 49ers’ conditioning program in Santa Clara, Jennings has been home in Georgia tending to his ailing mother. Jennings is very close to his mom and he was obviously affected when friend and teammate Frank Gore lost his mother last season. Jennings was one of the players who accompanied Gore to Liz Gore’s funeral in September. Jennings is a fiercely private person and has chosen not to share his family issues. We do know, however, that his mother’s health was one of the reasons Jennings briefly left the team in October. Actually, the Jennings family suffered a double whammy – his niece was involved in a car accident around the same time.

It’s not known when Jennings will return to Santa Clara, although he is expected to take part in the team's May 2 minicamp. Even when he returns, the 49ers will be perilously thin at the tackle position. While Staley has been practicing his footwork at left tackle, Damane Duckett has been the team’s de facto right tackle. The 49ers are very high on Duckett’s potential, but the former defensive tackle needs plenty more seasoning before he can be counted on at the position. That’s why the 49ers are expected to select an offensive tackle early in the draft later this month.

Chrissy Mauck at 49ers.com had some good tidbits in her article produced from Tahoe at the 49ers' Winter and Wine Festival, a fundraiser for the 49ers Foundation. We'll turn into reactionary mode to break down the news:

* * *

"Asked about the 49ers upcoming draft, (49ers coach Mike) Nolan said they'd take the best player on the board but he did pretty much rule out a running back and a quarterback in terms of positions of consideration for those first two rounds. He said offensive line, defensive line, linebacker and corner were possibilities, and that o-line and linebacker were probably the team's most pressing needs." (49ers.com)

THE TAKE: This certainly makes sense. They can probably rule out tight end, too. They have a lot invested in Vernon Davis, who somehow managed to catch 52 passes last season for 509 yards and four touchdowns despite missing two games with a knee injury (and he really wasn't featured much in the other 14 games). Also, the club is trying to extend the contract of Delanie Walker.

Certainly, some people who comment on this blog are going to say, "What? They aren't going to take a quarterback early in the draft?!?!" I believe if new O.C. Mike Martz had watched film of Alex Smith and Shaun Hill, and declared neither is capable of running his offense, the 49ers might be inclined to move QB up on the list of priorities. After all, Martz is going to let people know exactly how he feels (more on that later).

It's interesting that Nolan said offensive line and linebacker were probably the team's most pressing needs. Offensive line is pretty obvious. The 49ers have five starters: LT Joe Staley, LG Adam Snyder (still no word from Larry Allen whether he wants to play this season), C Eric Heitmann, RG David Baas and RT Jonas Jennings. But they don't have much behind the starters.

They seem to have enough depth at linebacker, but there are two openings - or at least positions up for competition - at linebacker. Parys Haralson and Tully Banta-Cain are among the candidates for that pass-rushing spot at weak outside linebacker. Manny Lawson will be the strong side starter. Patrick Willis is the weak inside linebacker, while Dontarrious Thomas, Brandon Moore and Jeff Ulbrich are in the mix for the strong inside spot.

* * *

"(Defensive coordinator Greg) Manusky said he expected Justin Smith to play right end, Isaac Sopoaga to work at left end and Ron Fields and Aubrayo Franklin at tackle." (49ers.com)

THE TAKE: In an attempt to get their three best defensive linemen on the field, Sopoaga will start seeing time at LDE. This makes sense to give him a chance there after he signed a five-year, $20 million contract. He showed in the exhibition season against the Bears that he is very capable of penetrating and making stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Sopoaga will get the first crack at taking Bryant Young's old spot, but perhaps he could also help compensate for the loss of Marques Douglas, who led all the league's defensive linemen with 12 tackles for loss. Clearly, the 49ers need more depth at defensive line. Ray McDonald is a third-down specialist, and it is unclear whether Melvin Oliver, who was in IR last season after starting as a rookie, will fit into this system.

* * *

"Following an overview from Martz of his offensive philosophy and his excitement about the weapons and talent he has on offense, emcee Gary Plummer asked the first question of the new coordinator, quizzing him on this often talked/written about criticism of the quarterback taking too many hits in his offense.

"Martz first revealed the more accurate NFL rankings in terms of sacks per pass play which he said had never been extraordinary, and in fact, quite good up until he went to Detroit.

"'In Detroit we were not a good football team,'" said Martz. "'We were last in the NFL on defense and when you have to throw the football to win, that's not a good thing. We weren't good enough on the offensive line to protect him and throw the ball like we did. When I was with the Rams, we were. The number of hits on the quarterback when I was with the Rams near the end of my time there was about the middle of the pack. In the early goings, it was actually very low and we were ranked near the best in the league.'" (49ers.com)

THE TAKE: In 1999 when Martz was the Rams' coordinator, they were sacked seventh fewest times in the league and ranked 11th-best in the league in sacks per play. For the next couple years they were middle of the pack, but in '02, '03 and '05 the Rams were sacked a lot. They tied for fourth and fifth most in the league. You can break it down on sack-per-play, but a sack is still a sack, which is still a hit on the quarterback.

As far as his statement that the Lions were not very good, this is consistent with what Martz said when he joined the 49ers. I asked him if the situation with the 49ers is comparable to when he took over the Lions' offense. "This is much further along," Martz said on Jan. 8. "This is totally different. This is not even close. This is a much better situation."

That aforementioned offensive line of Staley, Snyder, Heitmann, Baas and Jennings has a chance to be pretty good if it can stay intact. The receivers will be improved. Battle has been the team's most reliable wideout the past two seasons, and now he will be in a battle to get on the field. Again, it all boils down to how quickly the 49ers' quarterback adapts to the new system and what kind of production Martz is able to coax out of the position.

The 49ers have a chance to acquire a young, talented wide receiver who was ranked ahead of Calvin Johnson and Dwayne Jarrett, and just about everyone else at wide receiver.

And he could come to the 49ers without any baggage (off-field problems) or financial commitment. Heck, the 49ers might not even need to spend a draft pick on him.

Perhaps, we failed to mention that this wide receiver with unlimited potential was the No. 2 prospect four years ago (behind Early Doucet) as a high-school senior at De La Salle in Concord.

Meet Cameron Colvin . . . again. He was such big news as a prep athlete, his decision to attend Oregon was announced on live TV.

But Colvin failed to live up to expectations at Oregon, where he caught just 74 passes for 892 yards and six TDs in four seasons.

His senior season ended with a broken fibula - just as he was showing some production. He had surgery to insert a plate and seven screws.

On April 18, Colvin is scheduled to work out for the 49ers during the club's annual "local combine" in Santa Clara. Colvin, a native of the East Bay's Pittburg, is excited about the opportunity to show the 49ers' brass what he can do.

Colvin (6-2, 208) had blazing 4.3 speed prior to the injury. He spent 2 1/2 months shuttling from school in Eugene to Florida, where he worked with former Olympic sprinter Dennis Mitchell. Colvin is still in school, as he finishes his degree in political science.

He remained in school because of a pledge he made to his mother before she died that he would earn a college degree. Colvin has endured a lot of hardships in his life, including the loss of both parents. His best friend and teammate, Terrance Kelly, was gunned down in Richmond in 2004, just two days before they were scheduled to report at Oregon together.

Because of his limited production in college, it is likely that Colvin will not get drafted. But that is where the 49ers could jump into the mix and sign him as a free agent. The 49ers attended both Oregon pro days recently. Colvin impressed the club enough to secure an invitation to the 49ers' local combine at their practice facility at the end of next week.

"I haven't lost my confidence that I can play in the NFL," Colvin said. "Not at all. Every guy's situation is different. Guys are utilized differently. Things happen for a reason. I believe I am one of the elite players."

* * *

Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon, who went to high school in San Leandro, is also scheduled to attend the 49ers' local combine. Dixon is coming off an ACL tear that ended his Heisman hopes - as well as the Ducks' national title aspirations.

* * *

Cal receiver DeSean Jackson is also scheduled to attend the 49ers' local combine. Jackson remains a possibility for the 49ers with the No. 29 overall pick.

* * *

For those wondering if the 49ers are going to hold a draft party this season, we know one thing for sure: It will not be at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

The convention center for the last weekend in April was booked two or three years ago, according to David Andre of the Santa Clara Convention and Visitors Bureau. So the 49ers' draft party won't be held across the street from the team's offices because of a Body, Mind and Spirit convention that brings in about 2,500 attendees, Andre said.

* * *

UPDATE: A limited number of season-ticket holders will have the opportunity to take part in a draft-day function at the 49ers' team offices in Santa Clara. Season-ticket holders will be invited to the draft party. Then, the spots (somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,500) will be filled in order received. The 49ers' draft party was held at the Santa Clara Convention Center last year, but that space is not available this year.

UPDATE II: It looks as if the information supplied by the 49ers earlier in the day was incorrect. Non-season-ticket holders can register for the draft party by clicking onto the this website.

The 49ers, believe it or not, will be back on Monday Night Football this season against the Cardinals. The teams will play Nov. 10 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The 49ers swept the Cardinals last season. Their first victory came in the Monday night opener. Alex Smith led the winning drive, and Arnaz Battle scored on an end-around in the final seconds for a 20-17 victory.

It's obviously important for the 49ers to get off to a fast start this season. They play five of their first eight games at Candlestick Park. But four of their final six games are on the road, starting at 10 a.m. (Pacific time).

"I look forward to having five home games in the first half of the season," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "Our fans play a big role in our success. Playing at home with the crowd behind us will help push us to a great start."

49ers' 2008 schedule

(All times are Pacific)

Sunday, Sept. 7, vs. Cardinals. 1:15 p.m. (Fox): Bryant Johnson, who was the No. 3 man in Arizona behind Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, has a chance to be the featured wideout with his new team. For the third year in a row, the 49ers open the season against the Cardinals.

Sunday, Sept. 14, at Seahawks, 1:05 p.m. (Fox): It was the win in Seattle late in the 2006 season that stands as the highlight of the Mike Nolan/Alex Smith era with the 49ers. They might need another one in '08 to get another chance in '09.

Sunday, Sept. 21, Vs. Lions, 1:05 p.m. (Fox): New offensive coordinator Mike Martz was available to the 49ers after he was fired. Let's see if he was correct when he said the 49ers' talent is much better than he inherited in Detroit.

Sunday, Sept. 28, At Saints, 10 a.m. (Fox): The old NFC West broke up after the 2001 season. Still, the way the schedule has fallen, this will be the 49ers' fourth trip to New Orleans in seven seasons. The 49ers have not beaten the Saints in four matchups since they're no longer division foes.

Sunday, Oct. 5, Vs. Patriots, 1:15 p.m. (CBS): Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli will be hammered with questions all week about how they let Joe Staley get away. And all they got out of it was a No. 7 overall draft pick.

Sunday, Oct. 12, Vs. Eagles, 1:15 p.m. (Fox): This is certainly a big season in Philadelphia, where Donovan McNabb is looking to bounce back strong from an 8-8 season. Second-year quarterback Kevin Kolb was drafted last year to eventually take over.

Sunday, Oct. 19, At Giants, 10 a.m. (CBS): Alex Smith was asked recently whether Eli Manning's quick turnaround from "bust" to Super Bowl hero serves as inspiration. "I guess you just realize what a short memory this game has and that's the exciting thing, as long as you've got the year ahead of you, that's such a great opportunity," Smith said. "If you look at Eli two years ago and what was being said and what was going on there in New York, and if you look at it now, a lot has changed in that time. That's the exciting thing about this game, you have a chance to do that and erase last year."

Sunday, Oct. 26, Vs. Seahawks, 1:15 p.m. (CBS): It'll probably be the last visit to San Francisco as a member of the Seahawks for Mike Holmgren, as Jim Mora set to take over as head coach in 2009. Holmgren-to-49ers speculation will be unbridled this week.

Sunday, Nov. 2, BYE WEEK

Monday, Nov. 10, at Cardinals, 5:30 p.m. (ESPN): What? A Monday night game? Against the Cardinals? This is the second year in a row the 49ers have played against the Cardinals on Monday night. It worked out pretty well for the 49ers last season.

Sunday, Nov. 16, Vs. Rams, 1:05 p.m. (#-Fox): No matter what turns are in store for this season, we all can agree this is the most winnable game on the schedule. Too bad for the 49ers it comes on a short week.

Sunday, Nov. 23, At Cowboys, 10 a.m. (#-Fox): Ah, another reunion with Terrell Owens. It's probably a good thing few players on this team were around when he was with the 49ers. This will be the 49ers' final trip to Texas Stadium, as the Cowboys are scheduled to move into their new stadium in 2009.

Sunday, Nov. 30, At Bills, 10 a.m. (#-Fox): They're serving Buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar, the place that invented the delicacy. Any idea what the weather's like in Buffalo this time of year?

Sunday, Dec. 7, Vs. Jets, 1:05 p.m. (#-CBS): The Jets are coming off a 4-12 season. Who will be their quarterback at this stage in the season, Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens . . . or Matt Ryan?

Sunday, Dec. 14, At Dolphins, 10 a.m. (#-Fox): Niners make their first trip to Miami since 1995. In that game, Elvis Grbac, subbing for an injured Steve Young, leads team to a 44-20 victory in a Monday night game. I can't think of any other NFL city I'd rather visit in mid-December.

Sunday, Dec. 21, At Rams, 10 a.m. (#-Fox): Cheers of "Bruuuuuuuuuce" will unquestionably greet the 49ers' receiver, as he is still one of the more popular football players in town.

Sunday, Dec. 28, Vs. Redskins, 1:15 p.m. (#-Fox): Former 49ers defensive end Andre Carter plays against his former teammates for the first time. Carter, by the way, is the only 49ers player since 2000 to record at least 10 sacks in a season. He did that in 2002 when he piled up 12.5 sacks. Will the 49ers have finally found a pass-rusher this season?

#-These game times are subject to change as part of the NFL's flexible-scheduling agreement with NBC to televise Sunday night football. The final eight weeks of the season are subject to the flex scheduling. This will allow the NFL to bring more attractive match-ups to a national audience late in the season. If any of the 49ers games are moved from the original start time, fans will be notified 12 days prior to the date of the game with the exception of a Week 17 game, where the notification will be six days to ensure a Sunday night game with playoff implications

1. Offensive line: The 49ers have their starting five, but their depth is woefully thin. After the starting five, the 49ers' backups are Tony Wragge, Damane Duckett, Qasim Mitchell and Jeb Terry.

Injuries are so prevalent on the offensive line, it's always a good idea to have a starter or two (think Adam Snyder and David Baas in previous seasons) stashed away on the sideline. The 49ers must find someone capable to stepping in at right tackle, as Jonas Jennings has yet to make it through a 16-game season.

The 49ers might take an offensive lineman at No. 29. They might take one at 39. If the first two rounds come and go and the 49ers still haven't selected a lineman, there is no need to panic. GM Scot McCloughan said he expects quality offensive linemen to be available in the first four rounds.

This is viewed as one of the deepest drafts for offensive linemen in a long, long time. In 2005, the 49ers invested a pick late in the third round to take Adam Snyder. If they take a lineman in the third round and another with the eighth pick of the fourth round, they could accumulate some pretty good depth.

2. Linebacker: Whether it's someone to rush the passer from the outside or an inside player to line up next to Patrick Willis, the 49ers could add a linebacker or two to increase the competition for starting jobs.

In my first mock draft this week, I chose Quentin Groves of Auburn at No. 29. Some of that was based on the players who were already chosen.

The 49ers should take Groves over just about any receiver on the board (more on that later). But if it came down to Groves, defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer or offensive lineman Gosder Cherilus, who do you choose?

Balmer and Cherilus are certainly possibilities. The thing that would initially make me skeptical about Cherilus is how he struggled when he moved to left tackle last season. (That's based on every report I've read, as I have only watched a few highlights on the guy.) Offensive linemen drafted in the first round should be guys who could dominate at any position at the college level. Because it's not like he wouldn't be facing strong pass rushers on either side in the NFL.

The reason I like Groves is because he is a proven pass rusher. I've made the comment that the 49ers do not have anyone on their roster with 10-sack potential. I stand by that. Heck, Tully Banta-Cain and Parys Haralson combined for six sacks last season.

Manny Lawson returns from a knee injury, but he has not shown any indication of becoming a consistent pass-rush threat at this level. He is a strong-side outside linebacker who can rush the passer, on occasion, but seemed to settle in more as a complete 'backer before his injury.

Also, the 49ers do not know for sure who's going to be lining up alongside Willis on the inside at the "ted" position. There are some strong possibilities: Dan Connor, Jerod Mayo and Curtis Lofton. But as I've written before, I believe that's a position where you can find someone later in the draft to, in essence, do the same work you'll get out of a high draft pick.

3. Defensive line: The 49ers lost two 16-game starters with Bryant Young's announced retirement and Marques Douglas' signing with the Buccaneers.

The 49ers signed Justin Smith to play right defensive end, and they plan to move Isaac Sopoaga to left end. Still, they need another front-line player to add to the rotation.

It might be difficult for the 49ers to find a starter in the draft. Certainly, Smith will start. Sopoaga makes "starter's money," so he'll be in the lineup. The club liked the job nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin did - especially when he was healthy.

The 49ers lack a strong rotation of bench players. Teams can never have too many defensive linemen, that's why the 49ers should take one within in the first four rounds - possibly with one of their top two picks.

4. Wide receiver: Veterans Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson have been added to the mix. The 49ers have struggled in recent seasons finding young playmakers through the draft. Perhaps new offensive coordinator Mike Martz can uncover a gem in the middle rounds.

I don't believe the 49ers will use a first-round pick on a receiver because I don't think anyone selected at the bottom of the first round will be able to make an impact as a rookie.

Martz had success with a couple rookie receivers: Torry Holt and Calvin Johnson. But those are top-10 picks who are incredible talents. Nobody in this draft compares with those players.

Where Martz has had success with middle-round picks such as Shaun McDonald and Kevin Curtis. But, even then, he got little or no production from those players as rookies. McDonald caught 10 passes for 62 yards as a rookie. Curtis caught four balls for 13 yards. Last year, Curtis had 77 receptions for 1100 yards and six TDs with the Eagles. McDonald was 79-943-6 with the Lions.

There is at least a one-year lag time in finding a receiver in the draft who can develop into contributor.

Maybe Jason Hill will add something this season. Bruce is not a long-term answer, and Johnson has a one-year contract. So if the 49ers use a mid-round pick on a receiver, we probably won't know for a year or two whether it was a good pick.

5. Short-yardage back: This is not a need that requires an early-round selection. The 49ers have Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster, but they also need a bigger back who can be unleashed in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The 49ers have really struggled in converting on those situations.

They might grab one of these players in the sixth round. (This is where losing that fifth-round pick really hurts.) Perhaps, a guy like Jacob Hester (LSU) or Peyton Hillis (Arkansas) would be perfect, but they might not last that long. If the 49ers grab a player who fits this description, he'll be expected to be one of the club's core special-teams players, too.

* * *

The Chiefs acknowledge they are speaking with teams about the possibility of a trade involving franchise player Jared Allen. He is free to negotiate with teams because he is not an exclusive franchise player. At the Super Bowl, Allen expressed an interest in the 49ers. However, the 49ers have not expressed interest in acquiring Allen to this point. After signing Justin Smith to a huge contract this offseason, it seems highly unlikely the 49ers would be willing to pay anyone -- including Allen -- more money to play the same position. Not only that, but the 49ers would probably also have to surrender a couple first-round picks to acquire Allen's rights.

* * *

FACTS & FIGURES ON 2008 NFL DRAFT

WHAT:

73rd Annual National Football League Player Selection Meeting.

WHERE:

Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York City (Between 50th and 51st Streets).

WHEN:

Noon PT, Saturday, April 26 (Rounds 1-2).

7 a.m. PT, Sunday, April 27 (Rounds 3-7).

'08 CHANGES

The NFL Draft has been streamlined. On Saturday, the first two rounds will be conducted, rather than Rounds 1-3 as in the past. Clubs will be allowed 10 minutes to make their selection in Round 1, rather than 15 minutes as in the past. Each pick in Round 2 will be allocated seven minutes, rather than 10. The draft on Saturday will commence at 3:00 PM ET, rather than at noon.

On Sunday, Rounds 3-7 will be conducted, with each selection allocated five minutes. Sunday's draft will begin at 10:00 AM ET, rather than at 11:00 AM ET.

DRAFTING:

Representatives of the 32 NFL clubs by telephone communication with their general managers, coaches and scouts.

ROUNDS:

Seven Rounds - Rounds 1 through 2 on Saturday, April 26; and Rounds 3 through 7 on Sunday, April 27.

There will be 252 selections, including 32 compensatory choices that have been awarded to 15 teams which suffered a net loss of certain quality unrestricted free agents last year.

The following players will be at the draft at Radio City on Saturday: LSU DT GLENN DORSEY, Ohio State DE VERNON GHOLSTON, Virginia DE CHRIS LONG, Michigan T JAKE LONG, Arkansas RB DARREN MC FADDEN and Boston College QB MATT RYAN.

TELEVISION:

NFL Network and ESPN will televise the draft on both days.

INTERNET:

For all the latest from 49ers headquarters, click on INSTANT 49ERS early and often.

Niners GM Scot McCloughan has a scheduled press gathering tomorrow, just two days before the draft. Everybody - myself included - will be reading between the lines and searching for clues. We probably should not try too hard.

After all, everyone thought they caught Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland in a Freudian slip last week when he spoke to the media about the No. 1 overall selection.

"This is the first pick in the draft," Ireland said. "This guy is going to be -- you hope that he's a pillar of your defense for a long time."

Ah-ha!

The Dolphins were clearly going to take a defensive player with the No. 1 overall pick, right?

Oh, wait.

The club took Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. But maybe they plan to convert Long to the other side of the ball after signing him to a reported five-year, $57.75 million deal that includes $30 million in guaranteed money. (Or maybe they thought they signed Chris Long.)

* * *

One of the general rules as draft time approaches -- especially for teams picking at the end of the first round -- is that common perception is almost always wrong. When the same players start popping up on mock drafts, it's usually a sign that some misinformation is out there.

That is why I would be surprised to see any of these seven names called when the 49ers select at No. 29:

--Louisville QB Brian Brohm: On second thought, he might get picked at No. 29. But it certainly will not be the 49ers doing the picking. Maybe the 49ers move back a few slots in a trade, allowing another team to swoop in to get Brohm. The 49ers are committed in 2008 to the quarterbacks on their roster. The last thing they need for this season is to start from scratch with a rookie quarterback.

--Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws: He's bright and has a motor that does not stop. He might be a very good player. Heck, maybe somebody takes him in the first round. But the more I think about it, the more I don't see it being the 49ers. It just seems he is too much in the mold of Anthony Adams, whom the 49ers felt did not fit into their defense.

--Cal WR DeSean Jackson: It is rare to find a mock draft in which he is not already chosen by the 29th pick. I'm not ruling it out. Even if it is an outside shot, there is a chance Jackson could be available when the 49ers pick. Do they take him? I don't think so. A lot of his focus has been to put on weight leading up to the draft. He's up to 175. With all the work incumbent on receivers during training camp, it'll be difficult for him to maintain his weight and remain healthy. I can see the 49ers being scared off by his size and questions whether he can hold up physically.

--USC OT Sam Baker: This guy is all over the board. On that TV mock of last week, they had him going No. 14 to the Bears. OK, that doesn't seem right. Even at 29, I think it's high. Perhaps he gets in the conversation a little if we're talking No. 39.

--Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus: Like some of these guys I've mentioned, he might already be gone. But let's say he is not. By all accounts, he was a dominant right tackle as a junior. As a senior, he was a so-so left tackle. He surrendered 5.5 sacks and was called for seven penalties in his final season. Hmmm. If I'm taking an offensive lineman in the first round of the draft, I'm going to want a guy who excelled at the college level regardless of where he played.

--Penn State LB Dan Connor: He is linebacker U's all-time leading tackler and described as a player who would be set in the 49ers' lineup for the next 10 years alongside Patrick Willis. It seems like a nice, safe pick. Who wants safe when you can do better? Remember, this would be a pick to take over at the "ted" linebacker. If the 49ers go with a linebacker here, it's either Tennessee's Jerod Mayo (probably long gone) or Oklahoma's Curtis Lofton.

--Auburn OLB Quentin Groves: Opinions on him vary dramatically. There is talk that he could go to the Jaguars or Steelers earlier in the first round. Some are of the opinion he could be there for the 49ers at No. 39 if they waited. Last week, I choose Groves in a mock draft. He seems to be a popular pick - too popular, probably. I'd say he has the best chance of becoming a 49er of any of the players mentioned but, still, I don't expect it to happen. (OK, some will say, "What, your only reasoning for the 49ers not taking Groves is because a lot of people believe this is where he's going?" Yep, that's about right.)

* * *

McCloughan will probably be asked about some of those seven players tomorrow. I doubt he will offer too many clues. He might come right out and say the team is not going to take Brohm. But if quizzed about the others, he'll probably say something along the lines of "He's a dang-good football player. Will we consider him? Sure."

At the end of the day, I might just play my recorder backward to search for subliminal messages.

* * *

After reading the tea leaves on Thursday, I plan to take a wild swing in the dark to expertly produce a list of players the 49ers might want on the team.

And, by the way, I reserve the right to exhume one or more of the guys from today's "Will Not Take" List.

* * *

By the way, here's a save the date. On Sunday, June 1, at World of Sports in San Jose, there will be a booksigning of "San Francisco 49ers: Where Have You Gone." The event is a build-up to a gala event honoring R.C. Owens in late-September. Among the former 49ers who have committed to being there are Frank Nunley, Eason Ramson, Cedrick Hardman and Delvin Williams. I'll have more information as the date nears.

Not likes an actual report just giving his opinion and he even gives a dumb reason....

Yeah, I feel you on that but if i'm gonna trust any reporter you would think it would be him. BTW, I heard on Bob Fitzgerald and Rod Brooks' show that they were thinkin of trading down so they have 3 picks in the second and third rouns since they lost they're 5th rounder. Brooks says when they interviewed Scott McClouin today, he said it was a possilbilty Groves could be picked up @ #39. I don't know about that one...

A couple days ago, we here at Instant 49ers tried to provide our loyal readers with some opinions on players the 49ers would not take with the No. 29 overall pick. (We are also fond of referring to ourselves in the plural, even though it's just a lonely one-man operation.)

So, now, we're going to attempt to throw out some names of players the 49ers could select with their Saturday picks. Currently, the 49ers own two picks in the first two rounds (Nos. 29 and 39). GM Scot McCloughan said the team is much more inclined to trade back to gather more selections than trade up to get someone, so there is always the chance the 49ers will not actually make a selection at 29..

* * *

As you watch the draft tomorrow, pay particular attention to these players:

Clemson DE Phillip Merling: Viewed in a lot of mocks as mid-first pick, there is some feeling he might slide a little. He has not been able to show much over the past couple months after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia. Although unlikely, it is conceivable he slips to No. 29.

North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer: Perhaps I'm wasting valuable key-strokes on this one. Although he's available in some mock drafts, there's a good chance he'll be chosen before Merling.

Oklahoma LB Curtis Lofton: This one might surprise you. But I do believe the 49ers are not scared to take inside linebackers in the first round in back-to-back years. "They're usually your playmakers on defense," 49ers GM Scot McCloughan said. "We're going to carry more 'backers than most teams because of special teams value as well. We'll be hard-pressed to pass on a good, young football players really at any position." Lofton is a good, young football player. This is not far-fetched at all. There are many mocks that have the 49ers taking Jerod Mayo or Dan Connor. Well, Mayo will be gone, and Lofton would be a better selection to play the "ted" linebacker spot than Connor.

Virginia Tech OT Duane Brown: Let's a.ssume Branden Albert, Ryan Clady, Chris Williams and Jeff Otah (pronounced OH-tuh, not OH-taw) are gone. Brown is the next-best offensive lineman, though Gosder Cherilus will probably hear his name called first. Brown is a lot like Lofton in the sense that he should be there at No. 29. But it gets a little dicey whether he'll still be around at 39.

Purdue OLB Cliff Avril: He fits the bill (possibly in the third round) as a hybrid DE/OLB who can rush the passer. He is underrated -- a solid football player. He played in the Senior Bowl, but not for the 49ers-coached South squad.

* * *

Certainly, there must be some receivers the 49ers have spotted. Mike Nolan mentioned three guys who compare to Jason Hill that the club has rated as third-rounders. I don't think the 49ers would take a wideout in the first round unless, perhaps, Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly is around. But in the third, they could look for Florida's Andre Caldwell, Houston's Donnie Avery or Cal's Lavelle Hawkins.

* * *

And, finally, another player who could end up with the 49ers on Saturday is . . .

Auburn LB Quentin Groves: OK, are you paying attention? He was part of the seven-man grouping of players I don't expect the 49ers to take at No. 29 (even though I took him in recent mock drafts). My head is spinning trying to figure out where the 49ers stand with this guy. I'm not convinced he'll be the No. 29 pick. But I believe he comes into play if the club trades back and those other non-receivers have already been chosen.

* * *

You really have to wonder about cornerback Donald Strickland's future with the 49ers after allegations of drunk in public and resisting arrest levied by the San Jose Police Department. If true, this is the kind of stuff that is completely unacceptable. It is also worth noting 49ers players have generally represented the franchise well in recent years. Check out 49ers arrests since 2000. (The only really bogus one mentioned is the incident involving Jeremy Newberry.)

* * *

I'm making the rounds on KNBR today. The Morning Show gave me an early wake-up call. (I'll post the link when it goes up on the web.) Also scheduled to be a guest with the Razor and Mr. T at 4 p.m.

I have to give the 49ers' first day of the draft a grade. I always cringe at this a.ssignment because -- let's be honest -- no one will know whether it was a boom or a bust for several years. In 2006, the Texans were idiots for passing on Reggie Bush. In 2007, Mario Williams made them look like geniuses.

So what grade will appear in tomorrow's Bee? Well, a B. Day 1 certainly wasn't flashy. But I thought the Balmer pick was a good one for all the reasons the 49ers put forth today. (He was the guy I took in The Sporting News correspondents' mock). Of all their defensive linemen, Balmer at 6-5 and around 300 pounds, seems like the only one who is really a prototypical 3-4 lineman. He seems to have just the right dimensions as a defensive end in the scheme. If he plays left defensive end, it will allow Isaac Sopoaga, who seemingly has the right dimensions to play nose tackle, to slide over to that position.

A defensive lineman like Balmer also acts as a bodyguard of sorts for Patrick Willis, the player whom Mike Nolan today said was "arguably the best defensive player in the league." Will Balmer get a lot of sacks? No, he'd probably be lucky to ever finish a season with more than five sacks. But the thought is that he will occupy enough blockers that the players behind him, whether it be Tully Banta-Cain or Parys Haralson or Manny Lawson, will have an easier path to the quarterback.

The second-round pick likely raised a lot of eyebrows among the 49ers faithful. That's partly because Chilo Rachal isn't a household name (in fact, the first question we asked him was, 'How do you say your name?') and partly because guard was not a big position of need for the 49ers. I have to admit that I was underwhelmed for the same reasons.

But his presence gives the 49ers a bit more wiggle room on the offensive line. I'm sure Adam Snyder doesn't want to hear this, but if either Joe Staley or Jonas Jennings got hurt, Snyder could fill in and Rachal could take over at left guard. And don't foget, the 49ers still have four more picks and there are plenty of tackles -- Carl Nicks, Anthony Collins, Tony Hills -- still available. Other notable names still on the board: Receivers Early Doucet and Andre Caldwell, and linebackers Dan Connor and Tavares Gooden.

So which current 49er is bumming the hardest today? I'm sure Snyder isn't ecstatic, but at least he has a long-term deal in place. The team's other starting guard, David Baas, does not. And he'll be recovering from a torn pec in training camp. Not a good week for No. 64. The team's defensive linemen can't feel too secure either. The 49ers kept A LOT of defensive linemen on the roster last year, more than a 3-4 team usually keeps. Sopoaga, Justin Smith, Ronald Fields and Ray McDonald are safe. But Aubrayo Franklin, Atiyyah Ellison, Melvin Oliver and Joe Cohen probably aren't resting peacefully tonight.

Mike Nolan just spoke with us about the team's last two picks. Of course, some of us pointed out that the 49ers -- last in offense last season -- have yet to take a playmaker. Nolan, however, noted that team had picked up several in free agency. "I'd rather get the experienced guy right now. That's not to say we're not looking at receivers hard." In fact, the 49ers were contemplating a receiver -- Eddie Royal?? -- in the second round. Nolan said he asked Mike Martz whether he would rather have the receiver than Chilo Rachal, but Martz said he preferred Rachal, according to Nolan. Martz also gave his blessing to Cody Wallace.

- Matt Barrows bloog

I was originally under the impression that the 49ers were trying to decide between Rachal or WR Malcolm Kelly yesterday. Nolan did not confirm that today. Now, I'm pretty certain the receiver the club was considering at No. 39 was Limas Sweed of Texas. He is the receiver the 49ers almost selected.

Mike Martz was not at all bummed the 49ers went with the offensive linemen, according to Nolan. Martz endorsed the moves. For those disappointed the 49ers have not selected a wideout, you have to consider how difficult it was going to be for any rookie receiver to break into the mix with the 49ers this season. Martz generally does not get much production from rookies who are trying to adapt to the NFL while also learning this complex system. (Torry Holt and Calvin Johnson were exceptions, but there were no receivers in this draft who remotely compare with Holt and Johnson.) Also, receiver coach Jerry Sullivan is a stickler for details and it takes a while for young receivers to catch onto what he wants. The 49ers' current top-three receivers are Isaac Bruce, Bryant Johnson and Arnaz Battle. Jason Hill has a chance to make a contribution in his second season. And there is also the person nobody is talking about, Ashley Lelie. Well, Nolan is speaking about him, which means he is on the radar screen. At the end of last season, Sullivan spoke glowingly of Lelie. He said that he improved dramatically since coming to the 49ers as a free agent. He said he thought Lelie's game was ready to take off.

A little bit of undrafted free-agent news . . . WR Cam Colvin (Oregon) has agreed to join the 49ers as an undrafted free agent, said Marvin Frazier, Colvin's agent. The sides are still working out the details, but Frazier said Colvin will be attending the 49ers' minicamp (Friday-Sunday) in Santa Clara.

-Matt Maiocco

Heres a highlight video of him...

And Maiocco wrote an article about him earlier this month...

Colvin hopes to prove to 49ers he's worth a chance

The 49ers have a chance to acquire a young, talented wide receiver who was ranked ahead of Calvin Johnson and Dwayne Jarrett, and just about everyone else at wide receiver.

And he could come to the 49ers without any baggage (off-field problems) or financial commitment. Heck, the 49ers might not even need to spend a draft pick on him.

Perhaps, we failed to mention that this wide receiver with unlimited potential was the No. 2 prospect four years ago (behind Early Doucet) as a high-school senior at De La Salle in Concord.

Meet Cameron Colvin . . . again. He was such big news as a prep athlete, his decision to attend Oregon was announced on live TV.

But Colvin failed to live up to expectations at Oregon, where he caught just 74 passes for 892 yards and six TDs in four seasons.

His senior season ended with a broken fibula - just as he was showing some production. He had surgery to insert a plate and seven screws.

On April 18, Colvin is scheduled to work out for the 49ers during the club's annual "local combine" in Santa Clara. Colvin, a native of the East Bay's Pittburg, is excited about the opportunity to show the 49ers' brass what he can do.

Colvin (6-2, 208) had blazing 4.3 speed prior to the injury. He spent 2 1/2 months shuttling from school in Eugene to Florida, where he worked with former Olympic sprinter Dennis Mitchell. Colvin is still in school, as he finishes his degree in political science.

He remained in school because of a pledge he made to his mother before she died that he would earn a college degree. Colvin has endured a lot of hardships in his life, including the loss of both parents. His best friend and teammate, Terrance Kelly, was gunned down in Richmond in 2004, just two days before they were scheduled to report at Oregon together.

Because of his limited production in college, it is likely that Colvin will not get drafted. But that is where the 49ers could jump into the mix and sign him as a free agent. The 49ers attended both Oregon pro days recently. Colvin impressed the club enough to secure an invitation to the 49ers' local combine at their practice facility at the end of next week.

"I haven't lost my confidence that I can play in the NFL," Colvin said. "Not at all. Every guy's situation is different. Guys are utilized differently. Things happen for a reason. I believe I am one of the elite players."